PEF to Cuomo: Use primary as a "learning moment"

The Public Employees Federation urged Gov. Andrew Cuomo today to use his election victory as a teaching moment: Work with the public-employees unions.

"The overwhelming support in the heart of New York's capital for the Teachout/Wu candidacy cannot be ignored," PEF president Susan Kent said in a statement. "This campaign believed in what we, as a union, bring to the state of New York and highlighted the need for respect for public services, while speaking out against the negative impact of privatization and diminishment of vital state services."

Cuomo has battled public unions since taking office in 2011, threatening layoffs if they didn't agree to several years of no pay raises. The unions ultimately reached a deal with Cuomo, but were forced to agree to the pay freezes, furloughs and higher premiums for health insurance.

While PEF endorsed Teachout, the other public unions stayed on the sidelines. Contract negotiations start up against next year.

"Given the impact of the Teachout/Wu campaign, Gov. Andrew Cuomo should understand a little better, the feeling of an uncertain future as so many PEF members have felt during his tenure," Kent continued. "We hope this learning moment for the governor will result in a true partnership with us, his professional workforce, and a more humanistic approach to the services we provide to the citizens of New York state."